ISGMN:
First of all, introduce yourself. Give us your name, and a short bio.

TB: Tim Beitzel from Duncannon,
PA which is a thriving metropolis of about 1400 people, 15 minutes north
of the capital city, Harrisburg in theSouth-Central part of the
state. I have been singing for over 17 years, firstin groups and for the past
5 years as a soloist. My wife Melody and I havebeen married for 14 years
and we have two children...Alex, our son is almost 11 and Sarah, his little
sister is 7.

ISGMN:
Also, tell us about your relationship with Christ and how you came to know
Him.

TB: I am one of the fortunate
ones who grew up in the church and in a Christianhome.
I realized, however, when I was 18 years old that I could not inheritmy parents salvation. It was
in my bed in my room one night that I surrendered my life to Christ.

ISGMN:
Please give us an example of how Christ has used aparticular
situation in your life to increase yourfaith
in Him.

TB: Easy one...the decision
to commit to full time ministry in January of 2000.When
the date book isn't full and the bank account isn't either, there's nowhere else to go for the help
than to the Lord Jesus! Isn't it just humannature that we tend to lean
less on God in times of plenty?

ISGMN:
How long have you been singing Southern Gospel music?

TB: I've been singing as
long as I can remember. My mom and dad always told mesince
I was three. I've been singing on the road since 1983.

ISGMN:
What do you like best about singing SG music?

TB: Seeing the power in
a song about Jesus in the lives of those who hear it.

ISGMN:
Who are some of your favorite SG music artists andwhy?

TB: The Cathedrals were
always role models to me, not just in their musical ability but in their sincerity and class. I admire songwriters who can write and singers who can sing.
Male quartets are still my favorite...Gold City,Legacy Five, Poet Voices
number among my favorites.

ISGMN:
Which group or artist has had the most influence onwhat and
how you sing?

TB: Hard to pick one. When
I was very young, groups like the Blackwood Brothersand
The Blue Ridge Quartet were favorites. The Couriers greatly influencedme as well, at first because
of their fresh musical arrangements and later,as
I got to know them, I appreciated their hearts for ministry.

ISGMN:
Have you had the opportunity to meet or perform withany of
your favorite artists? If so, tell us about it.

TB: Yes, I guess I've shared
the platform with most of what you would call the"major
groups" and singers through the years, though they probably haven'tthe foggiest idea who I am!
Ha!

ISGMN:
Give us a funny "road" story. Tell us about your mostembarrassing
or humorous moment while singing ortraveling.

TB: It's always comical
to see and hear someone introduce me who isn't sure how to pronounce my
last name. (It's BITE sul, by the way). There have beenlot's
of funny incidents...guess I just can't pinpoint any right now.

ISGMN:
How many bookings do you do per year?

TB: As many as I can safely
cram into the date book! Ha! About 100...looking todo
a little more.

ISGMN:
Are a lot of the bookings repeats from previous dates?

TB: Yes.

ISGMN:
How many recording projects have you done?

TB: Four.

ISGMN:
What is the title of your most recent project?

TB: Listen

ISGMN:
Who produced your last project?

TB: Tim James and Tom Keel

ISGMN:
Which studio did you use for your most recent project?

TB: Harvest Field Studio
and Pine Grove Studio

ISGMN:
Do you write any of your songs?

TB: Yes

ISGMN:
How many songs were written by you?

TB: Five

ISGMN:
What process do you go through to select the songs foryour project?

TB: Make a big list...start
trying to sing the songs...cross some out...repeat.

ISGMN:
Do you use a booking agent? If not, have you everconsidered
it?

TB: I don't use one because
I haven't found one who's interested yet!Unfortunately, about the
time someone wants to be your agent, you don't needhim.

ISGMN:
As an artist, what advice can you give to others onhow
to get started?

TB: Sing, sing, sing and
then sing some more. Work harder on your relationshipto
Christ than you ever work on promoting your "ministry". First thingsfirst.

ISGMN:
While you are not on the road, what home church do youattend?

TB: Asbury UM Church, Duncannon,
PA

If
you enjoyed reading this interview and you are not a member of the International
Southern Gospel Music Network, feel free to join. Membership is FREE and
by joining, we will notify you when other interviews and articles are added
to this site.You
may join now by clicking HERE!